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Summary of Project;
Across the NPP there are many so called seasonal resorts that have traditionally focused on pulling in crowds during a specific season. These resorts are principally located in sparsely populated areas with declining populations. A classic example of this is that of ski resorts. Millions of Euros have been spent on infrastructure and accommodation facilities in these resorts, but they are only fully utilised for a few months during the winter. This "out flux" of people once the snow melts has a negative impact on the local communities.
To strengthen these local economies these resorts must diversify and create new ideas in order to pull in the crowds during their, so called, low seasons. So where can these new ideas come from?
Each of the countries throughout the NPP area have their own cultural events and festivals. These traditional events have a proven track record of pulling crowds and are a good stimulus for tourism. Scotland has proved that the Highland Games is a very successful event so why can it not be successful in another country? Finland has proved that extreme sporting events, such as, swamp football and snow football can be very successful sporting events so why can´t other countries make them successful?
There is a vast reservoir of successful festivals and events across the NPP. By bringing key players together from each of the NPP countries, this reservoir can be tapped and put to good use in each country. More ideas mean more events. More events mean more people. More people mean stronger local economies.
Needs and Issues;
This project needs committed partners in each of the participating countries. In particular, it needs partners that have a good track record of organising events and are keen to organise more. Also, the project needs partners that are capable of hosting such events. This would mean that they would have to have suitable accommodation for an influx of tourists. Areas with a short tourism season, such as (but not restricted to) winter sport areas would be suitable for this, as these have already in place the infrastructure and other necessary resources to handle a lot of people, but they are largely empty during summer months.
Aim of Project;
To diversify the use of traditionally seasonal venues. This is not confined to any particular seasonal venue but at this stage particular focus will be on winter sports resorts.
To disseminate event ideas that already have strong foundations in areas throughout the NPP but as yet have not been exploited across borders.
To integrate the above ideas. Venues need events and events need venues.
Approach;
The project will use and share knowledge, gained by years of experience, from each individual country and apply it to event organising in other countries. Partners in each country will be carefully selected for their suitability to the implementation of a successful project. A network will be formed in order to share ideas and competences to ensure successful culture transfer of events (carried out through seminars and workshops). This sharing of ideas need not be restricted to events and festivals. Other business strategies can be shared and implemented on the "best practice" principle.
Expected Results;
· The creation of sustainable events in areas that are under used during low season
· By diversifying the use of seasonal venues local economies can be strengthened and trends of population decline can be reversed. Such venues tend to be in areas ear marked for help by the NPP.
· The creation of event networks across the NPP.
· The creation of venue networks across the NPP.
· An inherent benefit of the above will be the dissemination of local cultures across borders.
· Increased travel from one NPP area to another. This is justifiable as an expected result by reasons of increased awareness of other regions and the creation of more specific reasons to go.
· The internationalisation of local sports and events.
Partner profiles;
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